Method and system for generating a model of a subperiosteal dental implant device and customized implant head

ABSTRACT

A method for generating a virtual model of a subperiosteal dental implant device. The method comprises: obtaining a virtual mouth model of a patient providing a three-dimensional representation of at least a section of a jaw bone of a patient, using a non-invasive modelling method; positioning at least one replacement tooth in relation to the section of the jaw bone defined by the virtual mouth model; positioning at least one implant head at a respective implant position; and designing and generating a virtual model of the subperiosteal dental implant device having a shape at least partially derived from a shape of the section of the jaw bone defined by the virtual mouth model and at least a portion of each one of the at least one implant head extending from the subperiosteal dental implant device at the respective implant position.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/544,843 filed on Jul. 19, 2017, now pending, which is a nationalphase entry of PCT patent application serial number PCT/CA2016/050711filed Jun. 17, 2016, expired, and which claims priority under 35 U.S.C.§ 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/181,575 filed onJun. 18, 2015, the specifications of each of which are hereby expresslyincorporated by reference in their entireties herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of dental implant devices.More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and asystem for generating a model of a subperiosteal dental implant device,to a dental implant system, and to a customized implant head foraffixing a replacement tooth to a dental implant device, as well as to amethod for designing the implant head.

BACKGROUND

Subperiosteal implants are implants being positioned below a patient'sgum but on, or above, the jaw bone, rather than inside the bone. Forexample and without being limitative, this particular type of implant iscommonly used for patients having a shallow jaw bone and which cannot ordo not want to undergo a procedure to rebuild the jaw bone.

Subperiosteal implants typically include a metal framework and one ormore replacement tooth. The metal framework is positioned over the jawbone and attached thereon, underneath the gum tissue. The one or morereplacement tooth is affixed to the metal framework. Known subperiostealimplants however tend to suffer from several drawbacks. For example,known subperiosteal implants are generic and selected from a library,i.e. they are not patient-specific and/or require the gum tissues to bechirurgically opened in order to acquire information regarding the shapeof the jaw bone of the patient, which is undesirable.

Moreover, the metal framework of a subperiosteal dental implant and manyother implants systems typically includes a base (or “implant head”) forthe one or more replacement tooth to be affixed thereon. Standardimplant heads are commonly used on conventional dental implant devices.Standard implant heads also tend to suffer from several drawbacks. Forexample, they typically have a circular cylindrical shape to which abase of the one or more replacement tooth must be adapted to fittherewith, thereby departing from the natural dentition appearance ofthe patient.

In view of the above, there is a need for an improved system and methodfor manufacturing subperiosteal dental implants which would be able toovercome or at least minimize some of the above-discussed prior artconcerns. Moreover, there is need for an improved implant head systemfor placing a replacement tooth thereon, which would also be able toovercome or at least minimize some of the above-discussed prior artconcerns.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first general aspect, there is provided a method forgenerating a model of a subperiosteal dental implant device for a jaw,comprising:

-   -   a) obtaining, by a non-invasive modelling method, a patient's        mouth model, the patient's mouth model providing a        three-dimensional representation of the patient's dentition and        jaw bone;    -   b) positioning at least one replacement tooth in relation to the        patient's mouth model;    -   c) positioning at least one implant head, each one of the at        least one implant head being aligned with a respective one of        the at least one replacement tooth; and    -   d) defining and generating a model of the subperiosteal dental        implant including at least a portion of the at least one implant        head.

In an embodiment, the step (a) of obtaining the patient's mouth modelcomprises obtaining a three-dimensional model of the jaw bone via amedical imagery technique, such as a CT (computed tomography) scanningtechnology, for example, which provides information on the bone as wellas of the existing teeth. Depending on the resolution of the CT scanningtechnology, the step (a) may further comprise obtaining athree-dimensional model of the patient's dentition via an intra-oralscanning technique, or by digitizing a physical model of the patient'sdentition. The physical model can be obtained by taking an impression ofa patient's maxillary and mandibular jaws with a dental impressionmaterial, thereby producing a mold from which a physical model the jawscan be made. The jaw bone model and the dentition model may thus becombined by matching the position of the dentition (i.e. the regions ineach model corresponding to the patient's existing tooth or teeth), soas to provide the patient's mouth model representing the patient'sdentition and jaw bone. The patient's mouth model may then be stored ona storage medium.

In these embodiments, the step (b) of positioning the at least onereplacement tooth comprises: obtaining one or more digital tooth modelfrom a library of tooth models, each digital tooth model representingone of said at least one replacement tooth; and positioning each digitaltooth in relation to the patient's mouth model, for example using a CAD(computer-aided design) technology, to fill a toothless space in thepatient's dentition.

In an embodiment, the step (a) may comprise: providing, on a storagemedium, a 3D model of a diagnostic wax-up mounted on the jaw of apatient, said 3D model showing a jaw bone and at least one tooth modelof the diagnostic wax-up; providing, on the storage medium, a 3D modelof the jaw showing a gum line of the jaw (which can be obtained via anintra-oral scanning technique, or by digitizing a physical model of thejaw of the patient, similarly to the previously described embodiment);and superposing, by means of a processor, the two 3D models so as toobtain a three-dimensional model representing the patient's dentition,jaw bone and replacement tooth or teeth. Thus, in this particularembodiment, the step (b) of positioning the at least one replacementtooth is obtained through the above-mentioned superposing step.

According to another general aspect, there is provided a method ofgenerating a model of a subperiosteal dental implant device for a jaw ofa patient, comprising:

-   -   providing, on a storage medium, a 3D model of a diagnostic        wax-up mounted on the jaw of a patient, said 3D model showing a        jaw bone and at least one tooth model of the diagnostic wax-up;    -   providing, on the storage medium, a 3D model of the jaw of the        patient showing a gum line;    -   superposing, by means of a processor, the two 3D models, to        reveal a toothless space between the gum line and the jaw bone        at a location of the at least one tooth model of the diagnostic        wax-up, said space corresponding to a gum tissue of the jaw, so        as to determine a position of at least one corresponding        replacement tooth to be mounted on a frame of the subperiosteal        dental implant device in relation to the jaw; and    -   designing, generating and storing onto the storage medium, said        model of the subperiosteal dental implant device.

In an embodiment, the replacement tooth/teeth intended to be mounted onthe subperiosteal dental implant device is/are used as the modeltooth/teeth of the diagnostic wax-up.

In an embodiment, the first 3D model showing the jaw bone and toothmodel of the diagnostic wax-up can have some imperfections in thedefinition of the tooth model. In such an embodiment, the method mayfurther comprise providing a 3D model of the diagnostic wax-up, on thestorage medium, and the superposing step can further comprisesuperposing this third 3D model on the two other 3D models.

In an embodiment, the at least one tooth model (representing the atleast one replacement tooth) are mounted on a base which is shaped andsized to mate with a section of the gum line of a patient's mouth, sothat a patient can temporarily fit the diagnostic wax-up in his mouth.

According to another general aspect, there is provided a system forgenerating a model of a subperiosteal dental implant device, comprising:

-   -   a storage medium for storing a patient's mouth model providing a        three-dimensional representation of the patient's dentition and        jaw bone, the patient's mouth model having been obtained by a        non-invasive modelling method;    -   a processor communicating with the storage medium for:        -   positioning at least one replacement tooth in relation to            the patient's mouth model;        -   positioning at least one implant head aligned with a            respective one or more of the at least one replacement            tooth; and        -   designing and generating a model of the subperiosteal dental            implant including the at least one implant head.

According to another general aspect, there is provided an implant headfor affixing a replacement tooth to a dental implant device, the implanthead being sized and shaped to conform to the shape of the replacementtooth.

According to another general aspect, there is provided a method fordesigning an implant head for affixing a replacement tooth to a dentalimplant device. The method comprises: obtaining a model of a section ofa patient's jaw including the replacement tooth and a section of a gumtissue and a jaw bone underlying the replacement tooth; and designing aperipheral wall of the implant head by extending a peripheral wall ofthe replacement tooth model towards the section of the gum tissue andthe jaw bone, the peripheral wall of the implant head being aligned witha base section of the peripheral wall of the replacement tooth model.

According to another general aspect, there is provided a method formodeling an implant head for affixing a replacement tooth to a dentalimplant device. The method comprises: obtaining a model of the dentalimplant device and of the replacement tooth positioned at a desiredfinal position in relation to the dental implant device; and defining atleast a portion of the implant head to extend from a frame of the dentalimplant device to a base of the replacement tooth, and further definingthe implant head to match the contour of the base of the replacementtooth.

According to another general aspect, there is provided a dental implantsystem, comprising:

-   -   a dental implant device; and    -   one or more connector removably mountable to the dental implant        device and configured to receive one or more replacement tooth,        in order to connect said one or more replacement tooth with the        dental implant device.

In an embodiment, the dental implant device comprises a frame to bemounted in a patient's mouth, the dental implant device furthercomprising one or more implant heads, each extending from the frame.Each implant head is adapted to receive one or more replacement tooth.According to an embodiment, the frame is adapted to be mounted on a jawbone of a patient.

In an embodiment, the implant head has a socket which is threaded andadapted to receive a connector. The connector comprises a threaded endfor mating with the socket of the implant head, and a connecting headopposite the threaded end, for connecting with the one or morereplacement tooth. The one or more replacement tooth comprises anopening shaped to mate with the connecting head of the connector.

According to still another general aspect, there is provided a dentalimplant system, comprising:

-   -   a dental implant device including a frame to be mounted in a        patient's mouth with a receiving portion of an implant head, the        receiving portion extending from the frame; and    -   a head portion of the implant head, the head portion being        securable to the receiving portion to receive a replacement        tooth.

In an embodiment, the replacement tooth is a replacement tooth assemblyincluding a plurality of adjacent teeth secured together.

In an embodiment, the frame is adapted to be mounted on a jaw bone of apatient. In a particular embodiment, the dental implant device is asubperiosteal dental implant.

In an embodiment, the receiving portion has a cavity defined thereinconfigured to receive the head portion. In an embodiment, the headportion is cemented into the cavity. In an embodiment, the head portioncomprises a threaded socket to be engaged by a connector. The connectorcomprises a threaded end for mating with the socket of the implant head,and a connecting head opposite the threaded end, for connecting with thereplacement tooth. The replacement tooth comprises an opening shaped tomate with the connecting head of the connector.

According to another general aspect, there is provided a method forgenerating a virtual model of a subperiosteal dental implant device fora jaw of a patient having a gum tissue with a gum line. The methodcomprises the steps of:

-   -   obtaining a virtual mouth model of a patient using a        non-invasive modelling method, the virtual mouth model of the        patient providing a three-dimensional representation of at least        a section of a jaw bone of the patient;    -   positioning at least one replacement tooth in relation to the        section of the jaw bone defined by the virtual mouth model of        the patient;    -   positioning at least one implant head at a respective implant        position wherein each one of the at least one implant head is        aligned with a respective one of the at least one replacement        tooth; and    -   designing and generating a virtual model of the subperiosteal        dental implant device having a frame with a shape at least        partially derived from a shape of the section of the jaw bone        defined by the virtual mouth model of the patient and at least a        portion of each one of the at least one implant head extending        from the frame at the respective implant position.

In an embodiment, designing and generating the virtual model of thesubperiosteal dental implant device further comprises at least partiallyconforming the shape of the frame to an external shape of the section ofthe jaw bone defined by the virtual mouth model of the patient.

In an embodiment, obtaining the virtual mouth model of the patientcomprises acquiring a three-dimensional virtual model of the jaw of thepatient using a medical imagery technique.

In an embodiment, acquiring the three-dimensional virtual model of thejaw of the patient using a medical imagery technique comprises:acquiring CT scan images of the section of the jaw bone of the patientthrough a computed tomography scan thereof; and generating thethree-dimensional model of the section of the jaw bone using the CT scanimages.

In an embodiment, obtaining the virtual mouth model of the patientcomprises: providing a diagnostic wax-up comprising at least one toothmodel; and positioning the diagnostic wax-up against a surface of thegum tissue of the patient at least partially covering the section of thejaw bone. The diagnostic wax-up is positioned against the surface of thegum tissue of the patient when acquiring the three-dimensional virtualmodel of the jaw bone of the patient using the medical imagerytechnique.

In an embodiment, obtaining the virtual mouth model of the patientfurther comprises obtaining an optical three-dimensional virtual modelof the at least one tooth model of the diagnostic wax-up.

In an embodiment, the at least one tooth model is at least oneradiopaque tooth model.

In an embodiment, obtaining the virtual mouth model of the patientcomprises acquiring an optical three-dimensional virtual model of thejaw of the patient representing at least a section the gum line of thepatient.

In an embodiment, acquiring the optical three-dimensional model of thejaw of the patient comprises performing one of an intra-oral scan of atleast a portion of the mouth of the patient and an optical scan of aphysical model of the jaw of the patient.

In an embodiment, the three-dimensional virtual model of the jaw of thepatient defines at least one toothless space for positioning the atleast one replacement tooth and positioning the at least one replacementtooth in relation to the section of the jaw bone defined by the virtualmouth model of the patient comprises: selecting at least one digitaltooth model from a library of tooth models, each one of the at least onedigital tooth model representing a respective one of the at least onereplacement tooth; and positioning each one of the at least one digitaltooth model in a corresponding one of the at least one toothless spacedefined in the three-dimensional virtual model of the jaw of thepatient, using a computer-aided design technology.

In an embodiment, positioning the at least one replacement tooth inrelation to the section of the jaw bone defined by the virtual mouthmodel of the patient comprises: superposing the three-dimensionalvirtual model of the jaw of the patient and the opticalthree-dimensional virtual model of the jaw of the patient, therebygenerating a combined three-dimensional virtual model defining at leastone toothless space for positioning the at least one replacement tooth;selecting at least one digital tooth model from a library of toothmodels, each one of the at least one digital tooth model representing arespective one of the at least one replacement tooth; and positioningeach one of the at least one digital tooth model in relation to the jawbone of the patient, in a corresponding one of the at least onetoothless space defined in the combined three-dimensional virtual model,using a computer-aided design technology.

In an embodiment, positioning the at least one replacement tooth inrelation to the jaw bone defined by the virtual mouth model of thepatient comprises: extracting a position of the at least one tooth modelin relation to the section of the jaw bone of the patient from thevirtual mouth model including the three-dimensional representation ofthe at least one tooth model; and positioning each one of the at leastone replacement tooth in relation to the jaw bone of the patient at theposition of a corresponding one of the at least one tooth model.

In an embodiment, positioning at least one replacement tooth in relationto the jaw bone defined by the virtual mouth model of the patientcomprises: superposing the three-dimensional virtual model of the jaw ofthe patient and the optical three-dimensional virtual model of the atleast one tooth model of the diagnostic wax-up, thereby generating acombined three-dimensional virtual model; extracting a position of theat least one tooth model in relation to the section of the jaw bone ofthe patient from the combined three-dimensional virtual modelrepresenting the at least one tooth model and the section of the jawbone of the patient; and positioning each one of the at least onereplacement tooth in relation to the jaw bone of the patient at theextracted position of a corresponding one of the at least one toothmodel.

In an embodiment, positioning at least one replacement tooth in relationto the jaw bone defined by the virtual mouth model of the patientcomprises: superposing the three-dimensional virtual model of the jaw ofthe patient and the optical three-dimensional virtual model of the jawof the patient, thereby generating a combined three-dimensional virtualmodel; extracting a position of the at least one tooth model in relationto the jaw bone of the patient from the combined three-dimensionalvirtual model representing the at least one tooth model, the section ofthe gum line of the patient and the section of the jaw bone of thepatient; and positioning each one of the at least one replacement toothin relation to the jaw bone of the patient at the extracted position ofa corresponding one of the at least one tooth model.

In an embodiment, positioning at least one replacement tooth in relationto the jaw bone defined by the virtual mouth model of the patientcomprises: superposing the three-dimensional virtual model of the jaw ofthe patient, the optical three-dimensional virtual model of the at leastone tooth model and the optical three-dimensional virtual model of thejaw of the patient, thereby generating a combined three-dimensionalvirtual model; extracting a position of the at least one tooth modelfrom the combined three-dimensional virtual model representing the atleast one tooth model, the section of the gum line of the patient andthe section of the jaw bone of the patient; and positioning each one ofthe at least one replacement tooth in relation to the jaw bone of thepatient at the extracted position of a corresponding one of the at leastone tooth model.

In an embodiment, each one of the at least one replacement toothcomprises a peripheral wall with an irregular base section and theimplant head comprises a body engageable with the respective one of theat least one replacement tooth, the body having a peripheral wallsubstantially matching a peripheral shape of the irregular base sectionof the peripheral wall of the respective one of the at least onereplacement tooth at a junction thereof.

In an embodiment, deriving the shape of the frame comprisesinterconnecting a plurality of frame segments and substantially aligningat least one intersection of the frame segments with the respectiveimplant position.

In accordance with another general aspect, there is provided a computerimplemented method for generating a virtual model of a subperiostealdental implant device having a frame for a jaw of a patient using adiagnostic wax-up including at least one tooth model engageable with asurface of a gum tissue of the patient. The computer implemented methodcomprises:

-   -   storing on a storage medium a three-dimensional model of the        diagnostic wax-up superposed to the surface of the gum tissue of        the patient, said three-dimensional model representing at least        a section of a jaw bone of the patient and the at least one        tooth model of the diagnostic wax-up;    -   storing on the storage medium an optical three-dimensional model        of the jaw of the patient representing at least a section of a        gum line of the gum tissue of the patient;    -   superposing, by means of a processor, the three-dimensional        model of the diagnostic wax-up superposed to the surface of the        gum tissue of the patient and the optical three-dimensional        model of the jaw of the patient and generating a combined        three-dimensional virtual model, the combined three-dimensional        virtual model defining a space between the gum line and the jaw        bone of the patient substantially aligned with the at least one        tooth model of the diagnostic wax-up corresponding to the gum        tissue of the jaw of the patient;    -   determining a position of at least one replacement tooth to be        mounted on the frame of the subperiosteal dental implant device,        the position corresponding substantially to a position of the at        least one tooth model of the diagnostic wax-up in the combined        three-dimensional virtual model;    -   designing and generating the virtual model of the subperiosteal        dental implant device including the frame and at least a portion        of at least one implant head mounted to the frame, a shape of        the frame being at least partially derived from an external        shape of the section of the jaw bone of the combined        three-dimensional virtual model and the at least portion of the        at least one implant head being substantially aligned with a        corresponding one of the at least one replacement tooth and        extending in the gum tissue, and    -   storing the generated model of the subperiosteal dental implant        device onto the storage medium.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises storing an opticalthree-dimensional model of the diagnostic wax-up on the storage mediumand superposing the three-dimensional models comprises superposing thethree-dimensional model of the diagnostic wax-up mounted on the jaw of apatient, the optical three-dimensional model of the jaw of the patientand the optical three-dimensional model of the diagnostic wax-up togenerate the combined three-dimensional virtual model.

In an embodiment, the at least one tooth model is at least oneradiopaque tooth model.

In an embodiment, deriving the shape of the frame comprisessubstantially conforming a bone-facing surface of the frame to theexternal shape of the section of the jaw bone of the patient.

In an embodiment, deriving the shape of the frame comprisesinterconnecting a plurality of frame segments and substantially aligningat least one intersection of the frame segments with the position of theat least one replacement tooth.

In accordance with another general aspect, there is provided a systemfor generating a virtual model of a subperiosteal dental implant devicefor a jaw of a patient having a gum tissue with a gum line. The systemcomprises:

-   -   a storage medium for storing a virtual mouth model of a patient        providing a three-dimensional representation of at least a        section of a jaw bone of the patient, the virtual mouth model of        the patient being acquired using a non-invasive modelling        method;    -   a processor communicating with the storage for:        -   positioning at least one replacement tooth in relation to            the virtual mouth model of the patient;        -   positioning at least one implant head at a respective            implant position wherein each one of the at least one            implant head is substantially aligned with a corresponding            one of the at least one replacement tooth; and        -   designing and generating the virtual model of the            subperiosteal dental implant, the subperiosteal dental            implant having a frame substantially conforming to at least            a section of an external surface of the jaw bone represented            in the virtual mouth model of the patient and at least a            portion of each of the at least one implant head being            mounted to the frame at the respective implant position.

In an embodiment, the virtual mouth model comprises a three-dimensionalvirtual model of the jaw of the patient acquired using a medical imagerytechnique.

In an embodiment, the three-dimensional virtual model of the jaw of thepatient acquired using the medical imagery technique represents thesection of the jaw bone and at least one tooth model of a diagnosticwax-up superposed to a surface of the gum tissue of the patient.

In an embodiment, the virtual mouth model comprises an opticalthree-dimensional virtual model of the diagnostic wax-up including theat least one tooth model.

In an embodiment, the at least one tooth model is at least oneradiopaque tooth model.

In an embodiment, the virtual mouth model comprises an opticalthree-dimensional virtual model of the jaw of the patient representingthe gum line of the patient.

In accordance with another general aspect, there is provided asubperiosteal dental implant device for receiving at least onereplacement tooth of a patient. The subperiosteal dental implant devicecomprises a frame engageable to at least a section of a jaw bone of thepatient, the frame at least partially conforming to an external shape ofthe section of the jaw bone of the patient; and an implant headconfigured to receive a corresponding one of the at least onereplacement tooth, the implant head extending from the frame and atleast a portion of the implant head being integral with the frame.

In an embodiment, the at least one replacement tooth comprises aplurality of adjacent teeth secured to one another.

In an embodiment, the implant head comprises a threaded socketengageable by a connector. The connector comprises a threaded end formating with the threaded socket of the implant head and a connectinghead opposite the threaded end for connecting with the corresponding oneof the at least one replacement tooth.

In an embodiment, the subperiosteal dental implant device furthercomprises a positioning jig removably connectable between thesubperiosteal dental implant device and at least one existing tooth ofthe patient. The positioning jig has a body with a tooth engagingfeature engageable with the at least one existing tooth of the patientand a frame engaging feature removably engageable to the implant head.

In an embodiment, the frame has a bone-facing surface whichsubstantially conforms to a section of the jaw bone of the patient towhich the frame is superposed.

In an embodiment, the frame comprises a plurality of interconnectedsegments wherein at least some of the plurality of interconnectedsegments intersect with the implant head.

In an embodiment, the at least a portion of the implant head is mountedto the segments intersecting therewith.

In an embodiment, the corresponding one of the at least one replacementtooth comprises a peripheral wall with an irregular base section and theimplant head comprises a body engageable with the corresponding one ofthe at least one replacement tooth, the body having a peripheral wallsubstantially matching a peripheral shape of the irregular base sectionof the peripheral wall of the replacement tooth at a junction thereof.

In accordance with another general aspect, there is provided a dentalimplant system for mounting at least one replacement tooth onto a jaw ofa patient having at least one existing tooth. The dental implant systemcomprises a subperiosteal dental implant device having a framesuperposable to a jaw bone of the jaw of the patient, the frame having abone-facing surface at least partially conforming to an external shapeof at least a section of the jaw bone of the patient; and a positioningjig having a jig body with a tooth engaging feature engageable with atleast one of the at least one existing tooth of the patient and a frameengaging feature removably engageable with the frame of thesubperiosteal dental implant device. The subperiosteal dental implantdevice is positioned in a single predetermined position with respect tothe jaw bone of the patient when the tooth engaging feature of thepositioning jig is engaged with the respective one of the at least oneexisting tooth of the patient, the frame engaging feature is engagedwith the frame of the subperiosteal dental implant device, and thebone-facing surface of the frame of the subperiosteal dental implantdevice is superposed to the jaw bone of the patient.

In an embodiment, the at least one replacement tooth comprises aplurality of adjacent teeth secured to one another.

In an embodiment, the subperiosteal dental implant device furthercomprises at least a portion of an implant head configured to receive acorresponding one of the at least one replacement tooth, the at least aportion of the implant head being mounted to and extending from theframe.

In an embodiment the at least a portion of the implant head is integralwith the frame.

In an embodiment, the frame engaging feature is removably securable tothe at least a portion of the implant head.

In an embodiment, the implant head of the subperiosteal dental implantdevice comprises a threaded socket and the frame engaging feature isremovably engageable with the threaded socket of the implant head.

In an embodiment, the implant head comprises a body engageable with thecorresponding one of the at least one replacement tooth and thecorresponding one of the at least one replacement tooth comprises aperipheral wall with an irregular base section. The body of the implanthead has a peripheral wall substantially matching a peripheral shape ofthe irregular base section of the peripheral wall of the replacementtooth at a junction thereof.

In an embodiment, the tooth engaging feature of the positioning jig atleast partially surrounds the respective one of the at least oneexisting tooth of the patient when engaged therewith.

In an embodiment the tooth engaging feature comprises a tooth facingsurface, the tooth facing surface substantially conforming to at least aportion of an external surface of the respective one of the at least oneexisting tooth of the patient.

In accordance with another general aspect, there is provided a methodfor mounting a subperiosteal dental implant device to jaw bone of apatient. The method comprises:

-   -   providing the above-described dental implant system;    -   engaging the frame engaging feature of the positioning jig with        the frame of the subperiosteal dental implant device;    -   superposing the bone-facing surface of the frame to the jaw bone        of the patient with the bone-facing surface substantially        conforming to the jaw bone of the patient to which it is        superposed;    -   engaging the tooth engaging feature of the positioning jig with        the respective one of the at least one existing tooth of the        patient;    -   securing the subperiosteal dental implant device to the jaw bone        of the patient; and    -   disengaging the tooth engaging feature of the positioning jig        from the respective one of the at least one existing tooth of        the patient and the frame engaging feature from the frame of the        subperiosteal dental implant device and removing the positioning        jig.

In accordance with another general aspect, there is provided a methodfor designing an implant head for affixing a replacement tooth to a jawof a patient. The replacement tooth has a peripheral wall with anirregular base section and the implant head has a body with a peripheralwall. The method comprises: obtaining a tooth model of the replacementtooth, the tooth model including a peripheral shape of the peripheralwall in the irregular base section of the replacement tooth; determininga junction line between the irregular base section of the replacementtooth and the body of the implant head when engaged together using thetooth model; and designing the implant head with a peripheral shape ofthe peripheral wall of the body substantially matching the peripheralshape of the peripheral wall of the replacement tooth at the junctionline, using the tooth model.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises: obtaining a model of atleast a section of a gum line of a gum tissue of the jaw of the patient;positioning the replacement tooth and the implant head with respect tothe gum line; and substantially aligning the junction line between theirregular base section of the replacement tooth and the implant headwith the gum line.

In an embodiment, the model of the replacement tooth and the model ofthe gum line of the gum tissue are virtual models.

In an embodiment, designing the implant head further comprises virtuallyextending the peripheral wall of the tooth model in the irregular basesection in a direction corresponding to the jaw of the patient when thereplacement tooth is mounted thereto; determining a peripheral shape ofthe virtual extension of the peripheral wall of the tooth model at thejunction line; and shaping the peripheral shape of the peripheral wallof the body to be in register with the peripheral wall of the toothmodel at the junction line.

In an embodiment, designing the implant head further comprises designingat least a section of the body of the implant head to be contained inthe jaw of the patient.

In accordance with another general aspect, there is provided an implanthead for affixing a replacement tooth to a jaw of a patient. Thereplacement tooth has a peripheral wall with an irregular base section.The implant head comprises a body configured to at least partiallyextend through a gum tissue of the jaw of the patient and beingengageable with the replacement tooth. The body has a peripheral wallsubstantially matching a peripheral shape of the irregular base sectionof the peripheral wall of the replacement tooth at a junction thereof.

In an embodiment, the peripheral shape of the irregular base section ofthe peripheral wall of the replacement tooth and the peripheral wall ofthe body of the implant head are in register at a junction thereof.

In an embodiment, the body of the implant head is custom-shaped and isat least partially derived from the peripheral shape of the irregularbase section of the peripheral wall of the replacement tooth.

In an embodiment, the irregular base section is non-circular andnon-ovoidal.

In an embodiment, the junction of the peripheral wall of the implanthead with the irregular base section of the replacement tooth is locatedin a vicinity of a gum line of the gum tissue when the implant head andthe replacement tooth are mounted to the jaw of the patient.

In accordance with another general aspect, there is provided a dentalimplant device comprising a frame engageable with a jaw bone of apatient; and the implant head as described above mounted to the frameand protruding therefrom.

In an embodiment, the implant head is integral with the dental implantdevice.

In an embodiment, the dental implant device comprises a subperiostealdental implant device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects, advantages and features will become more apparent uponreading the following non-restrictive description of embodimentsthereof, given for the purpose of exemplification only, with referenceto the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A is a bloc diagram showing steps of a process for generating amodel of a subperiosteal dental implant device, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 1B is a bloc diagram of a system for generating a model of asubperiosteal dental implant device, according to an embodiment, thediagram further showing steps of a method executed by the system.

FIG. 2 is a bloc diagram showing steps of a process for making asubperiosteal dental implant device in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a model of a patient's jaw.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a diagnostic wax-up.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the model of FIG. 3, having mountedthereon the diagnostic wax-up of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a section of a medical imageryimage showing existing and replacement teeth above a bone line and beingproduced by a step of a method performed by the system shown in FIG. 1B.

FIG. 7 shows the schematic representation of FIG. 6 when superposed withother images including a gum line, the other images being shown inbroken lines.

FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a section of a second imageshowing existing teeth protruding from the gum line and being producedby a step of a method performed by the system shown in FIG. 1B.

FIG. 9 shows the schematic representation of FIG. 8 when superposed withother images including the replacement teeth and the bone line, theother images being shown in broken lines.

FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of a section of a third imageshowing the replacement teeth and the gum line and being produced by astep of a method performed by the system shown in FIG. 1B.

FIG. 11 shows the schematic representation of FIG. 10 when superposedwith other images including existing teeth and the bone line, the otherimages being shown in broken lines.

FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of the images of FIGS. 6, 8 and 10superposed together.

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a dental system including a subperiostealdental implant device.

FIGS. 14a, 14b, and 14c ; are respectively a perspective view of apartial subperiosteal dental implant device in accordance with anembodiment including two receiving portions of implant heads; aperspective view of a head portion engageable with one of the receivingportions of implant heads of FIG. 14a ; and a perspective view of twohead portions engaged with the receiving portions of the implant headsof the partial subperiosteal dental implant device of FIG. 14 a.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a total subperiosteal dental implantdevice in accordance with an embodiment and including eight implantheads integral with a frame of the total subperiosteal dental implant.

FIGS. 16a and 16b are respectively a perspective view of a partialsubperiosteal dental implant device shown mounted to a jaw bone of apatient and with a positioning jig secured thereto; and the partialsubperiosteal dental implant device shown mounted to a jaw bone of apatient, with the positioning jig removed therefrom.

FIG. 17 is a schematic side elevation view of a conventional implanthead for an implant device having a replacement tooth affixed thereto,in accordance with the prior art.

FIG. 18 is a schematic side elevation view of an implant head for animplant device having a replacement tooth affixed thereto, in accordancewith an embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a schematic bottom plan view of the conventional implant headshown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 20 is a schematic bottom plan view of the implant head shown inFIG. 18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, the same numerical references refer tosimilar elements. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materialsmentioned and/or dimensions shown in the figures or described in thepresent description are embodiments only, given solely forexemplification purposes.

Although the embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawingscomprises particular steps of a method and although the embodiment ofthe system explained and illustrated herein include particularcomponents, not all of these components and steps are essential and thusshould not be taken in their restrictive sense, i.e. should not be takenas to limit the scope of the present invention. It is to be understood,as also apparent to a person skilled in the art, that other suitablecomponents, and cooperation therebetween, as well as other suitableconfigurations can be used for the method and system, as will be brieflyexplained herein and as can be easily inferred herefrom, by a personskilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention.

According to a broad embodiment and as illustrated in FIG. 1A, there isprovided a method 10 for designing and generating a model of asubperiosteal dental implant device. The method comprises an initialstep of obtaining at least a partial mouth model of a patient. In anembodiment, the mouth model includes at least a model of the jaw bone ofthe patient (step 12). In an embodiment where the patient is nottoothless, the mouth model can also show existing tooth or teeth of thepatient positioned above the jaw bone and at least one toothless space.In an embodiment, the mouth model of the patient is obtained using anon-invasive modelling method such as, without being limitative amedical imagery technique, an optical imaging techniques or acombination thereof. In an embodiment and without being limitative, themedical imagery technique can be computed tomography (CT) or a magneticresonance imaging (MRI). The method can include the additional steps ofpositioning one or more replacement tooth in relation to the mouth orthe mouth model of the patient (step 14) and positioning one or moreimplant head at a respective implant position wherein each implant headis in alignment with a respective one of the one or more replacementtooth (step 16). The method can also comprise the further step ofdesigning and generating a model of the subperiosteal dental implantincluding at least a portion of each one of the one or more implant head(step 18).

In an embodiment, the mouth model including at least a section of thejaw bone can also include tooth models, which positions will eventuallycorrespond to the position of the replacement tooth/teeth. Thus, thestep of positioning one or more replacement tooth in relation to themouth or the mouth model of the patient (step 14) can correspond toassociating a replacement tooth to each one of the tooth models. Forinstance, a first mouth model can be acquired to design a diagnosticwax-up including one or more tooth model. Then, the diagnostic wax-upcan be positioned in the patient's mouth and a medical imaging method(e.g. a CT scan, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or the like)providing medical imagery images of the patient's mouth including thediagnostic wax-up can be performed. Medical imaging data includesinformation about the patient's jaw bone and the tooth models. Thus, aposition of the replacement tooth/teeth can then be determined based ofthe position of the tooth models in relation to the jaw bone.

In an embodiment, the mouth model of the patient is a virtual modelprovided in the form of data on a storage medium. In the course of thepresent document, the term storage medium is used to refer tonon-transient and computer-readable mediums, such as, for example andwithout being limitative: a temporary storage unit such as arandom-access memory (RAM) or dynamic RAM; a permanent storage such as ahard disk; an optical storage device, such as a CD or DVD (rewritable orwrite once/read only); a flash memory; and/or the like.

In the course of the present document, even though the models arereferred to as being a model of a jaw, a jaw bone or a gum line of apatient, one skilled in the art will appreciated that the model caninclude only a section of the patient's jaw, jaw bone or gum line.Furthermore, the models can be a model of a patient's mandible,maxillary or both, or only a section thereof.

Modelisation and Fabrication of a Subperiosteal Dental Implant Device

With reference to FIG. 1B and with further reference to FIGS. 2 to 12,one embodiment of a computer implemented method for performing the abovedescribed method for designing and generating a model of a subperiostealdental implant device 10 will be described in more details below. Thecomputer implemented method is executed by a computer system 100comprising a storage medium 102 and a processor 104.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, the initial step of obtaining themouth model of a patient (i.e. step 12 of the above described generalmethod 10) includes storing, on the storage medium 102, acquired medicalimagery images 130, such as CT scan images, (shown in FIGS. 6 and 7) ofa diagnostic wax-up 118 including tooth models mounted on a jaw of thepatient, an acquired optical 3D model 132 (shown in FIGS. 8 and 9) ofthe jaw of the patient and an acquired optical 3D model 134 (shown inFIGS. 10 and 11) of the tooth models 122 of the diagnostic wax-up 118.In an embodiment, the tooth models 122 of the diagnostic wax-up 118 areradiopaque tooth models. The initial step of obtaining a mouth model ofa patient (i.e. step 12 of the above described general method 10)further comprises receiving, by the processor 104, the above-mentionedmedical imagery images 130 and optical 3D models 132, 134. This step isrepresented by reference number 5 a in FIG. 1B.

As mentioned above, in the course of the present description the term“medical imagery images” is used to refer to images acquired using amedical imaging method, such as, without being limitative, x-raycomputed tomography images, MRI Images or the like, including boneinformation.

One skilled in the art will understand that, in alternative embodiments(not shown), only a subset of the medical imagery images 130 of adiagnostic wax-up 118 mounted on a jaw of the patient, the optical 3Dmodel 132 of the jaw of the patient and the optical 3D model 134 of thetooth models 122 of the diagnostic wax-up 118 can be acquired and storedon the storage medium 102. Moreover, in an embodiment, the medicalimagery images can show only the jaw of the patient (without adiagnostic wax-up mounted thereon), the existing teeth 142 extendingfrom the jaw of the patient (if the patient has at least one existingtooth) and at least one toothless space for positioning at least onereplacement tooth.

In the course of the present document, a “diagnostic wax-up” isunderstood to be a physical model of the at least one tooth model thatis intended to be implanted in the mouth of the patient throughengagement with the subperiosteal dental implant device. In anembodiment, in the “diagnostic wax-up”, the at least one tooth model(which will be associated to the at least one replacement tooth) aremounted on a base which is shaped and sized to mate with a section of agum line of the mouth of the patient, so that the diagnostic wax-up cantemporarily be fitted in the mouth of the patient while the acquisitionof the 3d model of the mouth of the patient including the diagnosticwax-up is performed. The diagnostic wax-up can also be temporarilyfitted onto a model of the jaw of the patient.

Hence it will be understood that the medical imagery images 130 of thediagnostic wax-up 118 mounted on a jaw of the patient shows tooth models122 of the diagnostic wax-up 118 and a jaw bone 140 of the jaw of thepatient. In an embodiment where the patient has existing tooth or teeth,the medical imagery images 130 further show the existing teeth 142extending from the jaw of the patient. In an embodiment, a 3D model 131of the diagnostic wax-up 118 mounted on a jaw of the patient can begenerated, by the processor 104, based on the medical imagery images130.

In the course of the present description, the existing tooth or teethcan be natural tooth or teeth or a replacement tooth or teeth alreadysecured to the patient's jaw.

Since the optical 3D model does not show internal geometry of thescanned elements (in opposition to the medical imaging), the optical 3Dmodel 132 of the jaw of the patient shows a gum line 124 of the patient,and the existing teeth 142 of the patient extending therefrom (in theevent where the patient has existing tooth or teeth). In the course ofthe present document, the optical 3D model 132 of the jaw is intended toinclude a 3D model obtained by scanning directly the patient's jaw or byscanning a physical model of the patient's jaw.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, the additional steps of positioningone or more replacement tooth in relation to the mouth model of thepatient (i.e. step 14 of the above described general method 10) includessuperposing, by means of the processor 104, the 3D model 131 obtainedfrom the medical imagery images 130, the optical 3D model 132 of the jawof the patient and the optical 3D model 134 of the tooth models 122 ofthe diagnostic wax-up 118. The superposition of the 3D models 131, 132,134 defines a space 144 between the gum line 124 of the patient alignedwith the tooth models 122 of the diagnostic wax-up 118 and the jaw bone140. The space 144 corresponds to a gum tissue of the jaw of thepatient. This step is represented by reference number 5 b in FIG. 1B.The superposition of the 3D models 131, 132, 134 includes a shape of anexternal surface of the patient's jaw bone.

Using the data from the superposition of the 3D models 131, 132, 134representing the at least one tooth model, the processor can extract theposition of the at least one tooth model in relation to the jaw bone ofthe patient. One skilled in the art will understand that, in analternative embodiment, the extraction of the position of the at leastone tooth model in relation to the jaw bone of the patient can beperformed using only a subset of the 3D models 131, 132, 134representing the at least one tooth model. For example, in an embodimentwhere the 3D model 131 obtained from the medical imagery images 130 ofthe diagnostic wax-up 118 mounted on a jaw of the patient is ofsufficient quality (of sufficient resolution), only the 3D model 131obtained from the medical imagery images 130 could be used, i.e. theoptical 3D model 134 of the tooth models 122 of the diagnostic wax-up118 could be omitted.

It will be understood that, in an alternative embodiment where only asubset of the 3D models 130, 132, 134 are previously acquired and storedonto the storage medium, only the available 3D models are superposedduring the step of superposing the 3D models.

Following steps 5 a and 5 b, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, theadditional steps of positioning one or more implant head at a respectiveimplant position wherein each implant head is in alignment with arespective one of the one or more replacement tooth (i.e. step 16 of theabove described general method 10) and designing and generating a modelof the subperiosteal dental implant including the one or more implanthead (i.e. step 18 of the above described general method 10) can beperformed by the processor 104, using the data from the combined 3Dmodel obtained from the superposition of the 3D model generated usingthe medical imagery images 130, optical 3D model 132 of the jaw of thepatient, and the optical 3D model 134 of the tooth models 122 of thediagnostic wax-up 118. This step is represented by reference number 5 cin FIG. 1B. The step of designing and generating the model of thesubperiosteal dental implant can further include deriving a shape of aframe of the subperiosteal dental implant from an external shape of thejaw bone defined in the 3D model. In an embodiment, the derivation ofthe shape of the frame can include at least partially conforming theshape of the frame to the external shape of the jaw bone defined in the3D model and, more particularly, a bone-facing surface of the frame.

In view of the above, the system 100 for designing and generating amodel of a subperiosteal dental implant device shown in FIG. 1B, withfurther reference to FIGS. 3 to 12, comprises the storage medium 102 forstoring the medical imagery images 130 of the diagnostic wax-up 118mounted on the jaw 112, 114 of the patient. As mentioned above, in theembodiment shown, the medical imagery images 130 represents at least onetooth model 122 of the diagnostic wax-up 118 and a jaw bone 140 of thepatient. In an embodiment, the medical imagery images 130 can alsodefine a toothless space for positioning the at least one replacementtooth The storage medium 102 can also store a 3D model 132 of the jaw,representing a gum line 124 of a gum tissue, and a 3D model 134 of thetooth models 122 of the diagnostic wax-up 118.

The system 100 further comprises a processor 104 communicating with thestorage medium 102 for generating the 3D model 131 from the medicalimagery images 130 and for superposing the 3D models 131, 132, 134, toreveal a space between the gum line 124 and the jaw bone 140, at alocation of the tooth models 122 of the diagnostic wax-up. As will bedescribed in more details below, the space between the gum line 124 andthe jaw bone 140 at the location of the tooth models 122 of thediagnostic wax-up corresponds to the gum tissue of the jaw. Theprocessor 104 is further operative to design and generate a 3D model ofthe subperiosteal dental implant device based on the data of thesuperposed 3D models 131, 132, 134.

Now referring to FIG. 2, with further reference to FIGS. 3 to 12, aglobal process which allows the above described computer implementedmethod to be performed will be described in more details below.

In an embodiment, the initial step (step 1) of the global process isperformed at a dentist's facility. This initial step (step 1) includesthe steps of taking an impression of a patient's maxillary andmandibular jaws using a dental impression material. The impression ofthe maxillary and mandibular jaws of the patient provide the molds whichwill subsequently be used to make a physical model of the maxillary andmandibular jaws of the patient, as will be described in more detailsbelow. In an embodiment, an impression of only one of the patient'smaxillary and mandibular jaws can be taken. In an embodiment, thisinitial step (step 1), also includes the taking of an impression of thearticulation between the maxillary and mandibular jaws and sending theimpressions of the maxillary and mandibular jaws and articulationtherebetween to a laboratory for the subsequent steps to be performed.One skilled in the art will understand that any type of known dentalimpression material can be used to take the above mentioned impressions.

In an embodiment, the second step (step 2) of the global process isperformed at the laboratory. The second step (step 2) includes making anintermediary physical model 112, 114 of the maxillary and the mandibularjaws of the patient, from the impressions of the maxillary andmandibular jaws and assembling the intermediary physical models 112, 114in accordance with the articulation of the patient defined by thepreviously taken impression of the articulation between the maxillaryand mandibular jaws of the patient. The assembled intermediary models112, 114 of the maxillary and the mandibular jaws of the patient yieldsa final physical model 116 of the patient's jaws (see FIG. 3). In anembodiment, the intermediary models 112, 114 of the maxillary and themandibular jaws of the patient can be made using dental gypsum, but oneskilled in the art will understand that, in alternative embodiments anysuitable modeling material can also be used.

In an alternative embodiment, these first steps can be replaced byobtaining an intraoral optical scan of at least a section of thepatient's mouth. The intraoral optical scan will include informationabout the patient's gum line, the existing tooth/teeth (if any) and/ortoothless spaces of the jaw of the patient.

The second step (step 2) also includes building a diagnostic wax-up 118representing tooth implants (i.e. tooth models). Each one of the toothmodels of the diagnostic wax-up will be associated to a replacementtooth to be implanted into the jaw(s) of the patient. As mentioned aboveand can be seen in FIG. 4, the diagnostic wax-up 118 comprises a base120, onto which at least one tooth model 122 is mounted. The base 120 isadapted to fit onto a corresponding one of the jaws 114 of the finalmodel 116 (i.e. the maxillary jaw and/or the mandibular jaw of the finalmodel 116) or onto the gum tissue of the patient's jaw. Moreparticularly, the base 120 defines an undersurface 146 which is shapedto mate with a portion of the corresponding one of the jaws 114representing the gum line of the mouth of the patient (see FIGS. 3 to5). In an embodiment, the at least one tooth model 122 is selected froma catalog of tooth models and represent the at least onemodel/replacement tooth and its position in the mouth of the patient.This second step (step 2) finally includes sending the final model 116and the diagnostic wax-up 118 to the dentist facility for the subsequentsteps to be performed.

In an embodiment, the third step (step 3) of the global process is onceagain performed at the dentist's facility. This third step (step 3)includes fitting the diagnostic wax-up 118 in the mouth of the patient,over the respective one of the jaw(s) of the patient and performing amedical imaging of the mouth of the patient, with the wax-up 118 fittedtherein. The medical imaging of the mouth of the patient, such as andwithout being limitative a CT scan, with the wax-up 118 fitted therein,produces the above-mentioned medical imagery images 130 of the jaw(s) ofthe patient (schematically represented in FIG. 6). In an embodiment, themedical imagery images 130 define (or show) both the maxillary andmandibular jaws of the patient. However, it is appreciated that, inalternative embodiments, the medical imagery images can show only therespective one of the maxillary and mandibular jaws. As mentioned above,in the embodiment shown, the medical imagery images 130 represent thetooth models 122 of the diagnostic wax-up 118 (which can be radiopaqueto be included in the medical imagery images 130 with some imagingtechnologies), a jaw bone 140 of the jaw(s) and the existing teeth 142of the jaw (if any).

As can be better seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, in the medical imagery images130, the tooth models 122 are spaced-apart from the jaw bone 140 (i.e.the tooth models 122 are shown “floating” over the jaw bone 140). FIG. 7schematically shows the components represented in the medical imageryimages 130 of FIG. 6, namely, the tooth models 122, the tooth 142 andthe jaw bone 140, in relation to other components (including a gum line)represented with a broken line. In an embodiment, the third step (step3) also includes storing the medical imagery images 130 on a storagemedium, such as, without being limitative, a USB key, a compact disk(CD), or the like and sending the storage medium to an imaging facility.

One skilled in the art will readily understand that, in an alternativeembodiment, the medical imagery images 130 can also be stored on amemory of a computer and can be securely transmitted over a datacommunication network, such as, for example and without beinglimitative, a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN),such as the Internet, or any other suitable data communication means, aswill be readily understood by a skilled reader.

In an embodiment, the fourth step (step 4) of the global process isperformed at the imaging facility. This fourth step (step 4) includesreceiving the medical imagery images 130, the final model 116 and thediagnostic wax-up 118 at the imaging facility. The fourth step (step 4)can also include the step of converting the medical imagery images 130into a 3D model 131 of the jaw(s) of the patient, for instance if themedical imagery images are CT scan images. In other words, during thisfourth step (step 4), a 3D model 131 of the jaw of the patient isgenerated using the transmitted medical imagery images 130. One skilledin the art will understand that, in an alternative embodiment, the 3Dmodel 131 of the jaw of the patient can be previously generated andtransmitted to the imaging facility. Methods for converting medicalimagery images into 3D models are well-known and need not be describedin details herein.

In an embodiment, the fourth step (step 4) also includes performing athree-dimensional optical scan of the physical intermediary model 112,114 of the maxillary and the mandibular jaws in order to obtain theabove-mentioned optical scan 3D model 132 of the jaw of the patient,schematically illustrated as a 2D image at FIG. 8. The optical scan 3Dmodel 132 of the model of the jaw of the patient provides a data modelof the patient's existing teeth 142 and gum line 124, which areschematically shown in FIG. 9 in relation to other componentsrepresented in broken lines. Alternatively, the optical scan to obtainthe 3D model 132 of the jaw of the patient can also be performedintraorally, i.e. directly in the patient's mouth, to provide a datamodel of the patient's existing teeth 142 and gum line 124.

In an embodiment, the fourth step (step 4) further includes performing athree-dimensional optical scan of the diagnostic wax-up 118 in order toobtain the above-mentioned optical scan 3D model 134 of the tooth models122 of the diagnostic wax-up 118, schematically illustrated as a 2Dimage at FIG. 10. The optical scan 3D model 134 of the tooth models 122of the diagnostic wax-up 118 provides a three-dimensional model of theentire diagnostic wax-up 118 (including the base 120 and the toothmodels 122), as schematically represented as a 2D image in FIG. 11. Theoptical scan 3D model 134 thus provides a data model of the shape andcontour of the tooth models 122 and of its base 120, including theundersurface 146 which conforms to the shape of the gum line 124. Theoptical scan 3D model 134 of the tooth models 122 of the diagnosticwax-up 118 provides more precise contour information of the tooth modelsin comparison to the medical imagery 3D model 131 which can include someimperfections in the representation of the tooth models 122.

One skilled in the art will understand that, in an alternativeembodiment, the diagnostic wax-up 118 can be subjected to thethree-dimensional optical scan when engaged with the respective one ofthe intermediary model 112, 114 of the maxillary and the mandibularjaws. Alternatively, the diagnostic wax-up 118 can be subjected to thethree-dimensional optical scan when engaged with the jaw of the patient.

In an embodiment, the fifth step (step 5) of the global process is alsoperformed at the imaging facility. This fifth step (step 5) encompassessteps 5 a, 5 b and 5 c of the method described above and shown in FIG.1B.

Hence, in an embodiment, the fifth step (step 5), includes superposing,via the processor 104, the 3D model 131 of the jaw(s) of the patientobtained from the medical imagery images, the 3D model 132 of the jaw ofthe patient obtained from the optical scan, and the 3D model 134 of thetooth models 122 of the diagnostic wax-up 118.

The model obtained through the superposition is a combined 3D model 136schematically represented as a 2D image in FIG. 12. The combined 3Dmodel 136 includes the features of each one of the models 131, 132, 134.Thus, the combined 3D model 136 resulting from the step of superposingthe 3D models 131, 132, 134 comprises data regarding the shape of thejaw bone 140 of the patient, extracted from the medical imagery images130 and converted into the 3D model 131 of the mouth of the patient. Thecombined 3D model 136 also includes data regarding the outer shape ofthe gum tissue 124, extracted from the optical scan 3D model 132 of themodel jaws 112, 114. The combined 3D model 136 further includes dataregarding the shape and position of each of the tooth models 142,obtained from the medical imagery images 130 converted into the 3D model131 of the mouth of the patient including the diagnostic wax up 118and/or the optical scan 3D model 134 of the diagnostic wax up 118.Finally, the combined 3D model 136 includes data regarding the thicknessof the gum tissue 144, based on a space between the gum line 124 and thejaw bone 140 and extracted from the superposition of the optical scan 3Dmodel 132 and the medical imagery 3D model 131.

In an embodiment, the step of superposing the 3D models 131, 132, 134includes aligning the existing teeth 142 of the patient in the medicalimagery 3D model 131 and the optical scan 3D model 132. In anembodiment, this step further includes aligning the undersurface 146 ofthe tooth models 122 of the optical scan 3D model 134 of the toothmodels 122 of the diagnostic wax-up 118 with a corresponding portion ofthe gum line 124 of the optical scan 3D model 132 of the jaw of thepatient obtained from the optical scan.

In the alternative embodiment where the diagnostic wax-up 118 issubjected to an optical scan when engaged with the respective one of themodel jaws 112, 114, the step of superposing the 3D models 131, 132, 134can include aligning the patient's existing teeth 142 of all 3D models131, 132, 134.

One skilled in the art will easily understand that, in alternativeembodiments, numerous different alignment means and/or methods can alsobe used in order to superpose the 3D models 131, 132, 134. For example,and without being limitative, in the absence of any teeth in the mouthof the patient, the 3D model 131 can be aligned with the optical scan 3Dmodel 134 (instead of with the optical scan 3D model 132) based on thepositioning of the tooth models 122.

Thus, in an embodiment where the section of the patient's mouth includesat least one existing tooth 142, medical imaging can be performedwithout the diagnostic wax-up 118. In such an embodiment, a 3D model 131of the section of the patient's mouth including information about thejaw bone 140 and the at least one existing tooth 142 (includingtoothless spaces therebetween) is obtained. The optical scan 3D model132 can be obtained subsequently, either intraorally or from a physicalmodel of the patient's jaw(s). The optical scan 3D model 132 includesinformation about the gum line 124 of the gum tissue of the patient andthe at least one existing tooth 142 (including toothless spaces). Theoptical scan 3D model 134 of the diagnostic wax up 118, including thetooth models 122, can be obtained by several methods. The diagnostic waxup 118 can be optically scan alone, mounted on the patient's jaw(intraoral scan), or mounted on the physical model of the patient'sjaw(s). If the diagnostic wax up is scanned alone, the optical scan 3Dmodel 134 includes information about the gum line 124 and the toothmodels 122. On the contrary, if the diagnostic wax up is scanned mountedon the patient's jaw or on the physical model, the optical scan 3D model134 includes information about the tooth models 122 and the at least oneexisting tooth 142. If the diagnostic wax up 118 is optically scannedalone, it is aligned with the optical scan 3D model 132 using the gumline 124 while the models 131, 132 are aligned using the at least oneexisting tooth 142. If the diagnostic wax up 118 is optically mounted onthe patient's jaw or on the physical model, the three models 131, 132,and 134 can be aligned using at least one existing tooth.

In an alternative embodiment, instead of taking an optical scan 3D model134 of the diagnostic wax up, the replacement tooth/teeth can bepositioned with respect to the superposed 3D models 131, 132 usinginformation contained in a virtual library including model/replacementtooth/teeth. More particularly, the model/replacement tooth/teeth can bepicked from a virtual library of objects, wherein each object representsa replacement tooth having a desired shape to fill a toothless space inthe dentition of the patient and the positioning of each digital toothin relation to the superposed 3D models 131, 132 of the patient can beperformed using a computer-aided design (CAD) technology.

Once again, in an embodiment where the section of the patient's mouthincludes at least one existing tooth 142, the medical imaging can beperformed with the diagnostic wax-up 118 being mounted on the patient'sjaw. Thus, a 3D model 131 of the section of the patient's mouthincluding the jaw bone, the at least one existing tooth 142, and thetooth models 122 is obtained. The optical scan 3D model 132 can beobtained as detailed above, either intraorally or from a physical modelof the jaw(s) and includes information about the gum line 124 and the atleast one existing tooth 142. Optionally, an optical scan 3D model 134of the diagnostic wax up 118 can be obtained. As detailed above, thediagnostic wax up 118 can be optically scan alone, mounted on thepatient's jaw (intraoral scan), or mounted on the physical model of thepatient's jaw(s). The models 131, 132 are aligned using the at least oneexisting tooth 142. The optical scan 3D model 134 is aligned with the 3Dmodel 131 with the tooth models 122, or with the optical scan 3D model132 using the gum line 124 if it is scanned alone, or with the models131 and/or 132 using the at least one existing tooth 142, if scannedmounted on the patient's jaw or the physical model.

As mentioned above, in an embodiment, the method can be carried withoutthe optical scan 3D model 134 of the diagnostic wax up 118. In such anembodiment, the information about the tooth models 122 is obtainedsolely from the medical imaging performed with the diagnostic wax-up 118being mounted on the patient's jaw.

Still alternatively, in an embodiment where the section of the patient'smouth is free of existing tooth, the medical imaging can also beperformed with the diagnostic wax-up 118 being mounted on the patient'sjaw. Thus, a 3D model 131 of the section of the patient's mouthincluding the bone and the tooth models 122 is obtained. The opticalscan 3D model 132 can be obtained as detailed above, either intraorallyor from a physical model of the jaw(s) and includes information aboutthe gum line 124. An optical scan 3D model 134 of the diagnostic wax up118 can also be obtained. To obtain the optical scan 3D model 134 of thediagnostic wax up 118, the diagnostic wax up 118 is optically scannedalone and includes information about the gum line 124 and the toothmodels 122. The models 132, 134 can be aligned using the gum line 124while the models 131, 134 can be aligned using the tooth models 122.

In an embodiment, the fifth step (step 5), further includes the step ofdesigning and generating a 3D model of the subperiosteal dental implantdevice and storing the generated 3D model on the storage medium 102. Inan embodiment, the generated 3D model of the subperiosteal dentalimplant device can also be sent (or transmitted) to a fabricationfacility. For example and without being limitative, the generated 3Dmodel of the subperiosteal dental implant device can be transmitted tothe fabrication facility over a data communication network (as describedabove) or other suitable transmission means or methods.

In an embodiment, the 3D model of the subperiosteal dental implantdevice can be generated using a modeling tool such as a computer-aideddesign (CAD) tool. As will be described in more details below, the 3Dmodel of the subperiosteal dental implant device defines a framework tofit onto the jaw bone 140 of the patient, as well as the replacementteeth and any other component of the implant system (such as implantheads, etc.). Moreover, as will also be described in more details below,the 3D model of the subperiosteal dental implant device can include acomponent corresponding to an implant head 150 (see FIGS. 13 and 14 a to14 c) for one or more of the replacement teeth.

In an embodiment, during the fifth step (step 5), the generated 3D modelcan be approved or validated by a dentist. For example and without beinglimitative, in an embodiment, the generated 3D model of thesubperiosteal dental implant device can be sent to the dentist over adata communication network (as described above) or other suitabletransmission means or methods, for validation thereof. Upon validationof the generated 3D model by the dentist, the generated 3D model of thesubperiosteal dental implant device can be sent to a fabricationfacility. Once again, the generated 3D model of the subperiosteal dentalimplant device can be sent to the fabrication facility over a datacommunication network (as described above) or other suitabletransmission means or methods.

In an embodiment, the sixth step (step 6) of the global process isperformed at a fabrication facility. This sixth step (step 6) includesreceiving the 3D model of the subperiosteal dental implant device andfabricating a frame 162 of the subperiosteal dental implant device 160(see FIG. 17), as described in more details below, in accordance withthe received 3D model of the subperiosteal dental implant device. In anembodiment, the frame 162 of the subperiosteal dental implant device isbuilt with at least a portion of the implant heads 150, as will onceagain be described in more details below.

When designing the frame 162 of the subperiosteal dental implant device,an external shape of the jaw bone can be taken into account. Thethickness of the gum tissue can also be considered. For instance, theshape of the frame 162 can be at least partially derived from theexternal shape of the jaw bone. More particularly, the shape of theframe 162 can be designed to at least partially conform to the externalshape of the jaw bone. In an embodiment, a bone-facing surface of theframe 162 substantially conforms to the external shape of the jaw boneand, thus, the frame 162 can be superposed to the jaw bone in a singleposition. As mentioned above, the external shape of the jaw bone isobtained from the medical imaging. In an embodiment, the thickness ofthe frame 162 can be designed to be thinner than the gum tissue withonly implant heads 150 protruding from the gum tissue. As mentionedabove, the implant heads 150 are substantially aligned with thereplacement tooth/teeth of the 3D model including at least the jaw bone,the gum line, and the replacement tooth/teeth, such as the combined 3Dmodel 136. The implant heads 150 are positioned on the frame 162 of thesubperiosteal dental implant device 160 in alignment with a respectiveone of the one or more replacement tooth/teeth. A height of the implantheads 150 can be selected/designed based on a thickness of the jaw gum.In an embodiment, the implant heads 150 extend close to an externalsurface of the gum tissue (i.e. the gum line) or slightly protrude abovethe gum tissue when the subperiosteal dental implant device is sited onthe jaw bone and covered with the gum tissue. The implant heads 150 endin the vicinity of the gum line, either slightly below, slightly above,or aligned therewith. Moreover, it will be understood that the implantheads 150 can be angled to adapt to the external shape of the jaw boneand the corresponding shape of the frame 162 at least partially derivedfrom the external shape of the jaw bone 140, at the respective specificsection where the implant heads 150 are positioned.

In an embodiment, the implant heads 150 are first positioned withrespect to the model of the jaw bone. As mentioned above, the implantheads 150 are positioned to be substantially aligned with a respectiveone of the tooth model 122 (i.e. with a respective one of thereplacement tooth/teeth of the 3D jaw model). Then, the frame 162 isdesigned. The frame 162 can be a mesh with interconnected segmentsintersecting with the implant heads, i.e. the position of the implantheads. As mentioned above, the shape of the frame 162 is designed to atleast partially conform to the external shape of the jaw bone, with athickness thinner that the corresponding section of the gum tissue.

The frame 162 of the subperiosteal dental implant device, including atleast a portion of the implant heads 150, can be manufactured with anysuitable CAM technique such as and without being limitative, machiningand 3D printing including laser sintering.

One skilled in the art will understand that numerous modifications couldbe made to the above-described method, overall process, or systemwithout departing from the scope of the present invention.

For example, one skilled in the art will understand that thenon-invasive methods which can be used in order to obtain the mouthmodel of the patient are not limited to the above described methods andany non-invasive method which is known to provide the necessary data forobtaining the mouth model of the patient can be used. It will beunderstood that the term “non-invasive method” is used herein to referto a method which does not involve the cutting of tissue in order toexpose the jaw bone for the purpose of obtaining the profile of the jawbone. In other words, in a “non-invasive method”, the profile of thedentition and jaw bone of the patient is obtained without surgery or thelike.

For example and without being limitative, in an embodiment, the mouthmodel of the patient can be obtained through a combination of anintra-oral scanning of the mouth of the patient and a medical imagingthereof. In such an embodiment, the intra-oral scanning of the mouth ofthe patient is performed to obtain three-dimensional surface informationof the existing teeth and jawline (or gum line 124) of the patient. Themedical imaging is performed to obtain information regarding the contourof the jaw bone as well as of the existing teeth of the patient (ifany). In such an embodiment, the mouth model of the patient can beobtained by matching the region in both imaging data corresponding tothe existing teeth. One skilled in the art will easily understand that,in such an embodiment, the medical imagery images are required to have aresolution sufficient to generate a 3D model therefrom that has aresolution sufficient to allow subsequent superposition with 3D modelsobtained from the intra-oral scanning of the mouth of the patient withsufficient precision.

In an alternative embodiment, the optical 3D model 132 can be takendirectly from the mouth of the patient using appropriate scanningdevices and technologies, without resorting to a physical impression ofthe jaw of the patient.

In another alternative embodiment, the shape of the jaw bone of thepatient for the 3D model can be obtained by providing a 3D modelobtained via intra-oral scanning, and by approximating the surface ofthe jaw bone, based on an assumption that the gum tissue covering thejaw bone is substantially even and of a known thickness, such as, forexample and without being limitative, about 1 mm.

Similarly, in accordance with an embodiment, the positioning of thereplacement tooth/teeth in relation to the mouth model of the patientcan include the steps of obtaining the profile of the jaw bone (e.g. viathe medical imagery images); determining the surface of the gum tissuecovering the jaw bone either based on an assumption that the gum tissuecovering the jaw bone is substantially even and of a known thickness(for example about 1 mm) or via the model of the jaw of the patientobtained from the intra-oral scan of the jaw of the patient; defining atleast one toothless space for inserting the at least one replacementtooth using the mouth model; and positioning the replacement tooth/teethin relation to the mouth model, to extend beyond the gum line.

In an embodiment, the replacement tooth/teeth can be picked from avirtual library of objects stored on the above-mentioned storage medium102, wherein each object represents a replacement tooth having a desiredshape to fill a toothless space in the dentition of the patient and thepositioning of each digital tooth in relation to the mouth model of thepatient can be performed using a computer-aided design (CAD) technology.

Thus, information concerning one of the jaw bone and the gum line can beobtained from one of the medical imagery images and the optical scanimages respectively. Information about the other one of the jaw bone andthe gum line can be approximated using the scanned information. Forinstance, if information about the jaw bone is obtained from the medicalimagery images, information about the gum line can be approximated bymaking the assumption that gum tissue covering the jaw bone issubstantially even and of a known thickness and by adding the knownthickness to the model of the jaw bone. On the contrary, if informationabout the gum line is obtained from the optical scan images, informationabout the jaw bone can be approximated by making the assumption that gumtissue covering the jaw bone is substantially even and of a knownthickness and by subtracting the known thickness to the model of the gumline. The positioning of the replacement tooth/teeth can be obtainedthrough scanning of a diagnostic wax up including tooth models (eitheralone, intraorally when mounted on a patient's jaw, or mounted on aphysical model of the patient's jaw). Alternatively, the positioning ofthe replacement tooth/teeth can be performed with CAD technology usingvirtual models of the replacement tooth/teeth.

Moreover, it will easily be understood that the any of the above stepsof the general process (see FIG. 2) or portions thereof can be made at afacility different from the one of the embodiment shown, such locationbeing simply given as a general indicator of the typical procedure. Forexample, in an embodiment, the above steps of the general process canall be performed in one or only a subset of the dentist facility,laboratory, the imaging facility and the fabrication facility.

Subperiosteal Dental Implant Device and Corresponding Dental ImplantSystem

Embodiments of a method 10 for generating a model of a subperiostealdental implant device and fabricating the dental implant device havingbeen described in details above, the generated subperiosteal dentalimplant device 160 will now be described in more details below.

Referring to FIG. 13, there is shown a dental implant system 166including the subperiosteal dental implant device 160 and one or moreconnector 170 securable (or removably engageable with) to thesubperiosteal dental implant device 160.

The subperiosteal dental implant device can be a partial subperiostealdental implant device or a total subperiosteal dental implant device.The partial subperiosteal dental implant device is designed to engageonly a section of one of the patient's jaw, i.e. the patient's mouthincludes at least one existing tooth. Embodiments of a partialsubperiosteal dental implant device are shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 a to 14c. A total subperiosteal dental implant device is designed to engage anentire (or substantially entire) patient's jaw. An embodiment of a totalsubperiosteal dental implant device is shown in FIG. 15.

The subperiosteal dental implant device 160 comprises the frame 162(also referred herein as “framework”). The frame 162 is designed to bemounted onto and, more particularly, sit on the external surface of thejaw bone of the patient, as mentioned above. The subperiosteal dentalimplant device 160 further comprises one or more implant heads 150extending from the frame 162, or at least a portion thereof (only one isshown in FIG. 13 but it is appreciated that the subperiosteal dentalimplant device 160 can include more than one implant head 150). Theimplant head(s) 150, or at least a portion thereof, can be integral (orsingle piece) with the frame 162, i.e. they can be manufacturedsimultaneously with the frame 162 as a single piece. Each implant head150 is configured to engage with one replacement tooth 152, which can beconnected to one or more adjacent replacement teeth. In the particularembodiment shown in FIG. 13, the frame 162 has one implant head 150,configured to receive one replacement tooth 152. The implant head 150has an internally threaded socket 164 adapted to receive a connector 170to provide an engagement between the replacement tooth 152 and theimplant head 150.

In the embodiment shown, the connector 170 is an abutment, but oneskilled in the art will understand that any type of connector 170 can beused. The connector 170 comprises an externally threaded end section 174for engaging with the threaded socket 164 of the implant head 150, and aconnecting head 172 opposite the threaded end section 174 and protrudingfrom the implant head 150 when engaged therewith, for connecting withthe replacement tooth 152. The replacement tooth 152 comprises anopening 153 shaped to mate with the connecting head 172 of the connector170. For example and without being limitative, the connecting head 172can be cemented with the replacement tooth 152.

As described above, the one or more connector 170 is configured toreceive one or more replacement tooth 152 and connect the one or morereplacement tooth 152 with the subperiosteal dental implant device 160.The modular configuration of the above-described dental implant headsystem 166 facilitates the replacement of components, such as thereplacement tooth/teeth, without requiring surgery and/or without havingto replace or repair the frame 162 of the subperiosteal dental implantdevice 160.

One skilled in the art will understand that, in alternative embodiments,the shape of the connector 170 can vary from the embodiment shown inFIG. 13. Furthermore, in another alternative embodiment, the connector170 can be permanently secured to the implant head 150, such as bycementation, rather than being detachably engaged thereto, such as, bycomplementary threaded connections as described above.

One skilled in the art will also understand that, in an alternativeembodiment, the dental implant system 166 can be free of connector 170and the replacement tooth or teeth 152 can be secured directly to theimplant head 150. Once again, the replacement tooth or teeth 152 can besecured to the implant head 150 permanently.

The connector(s) can be selected from a connector library for whichvirtual models can exist. The connector can be selected based on atoothless space available between two adjacent teeth and a height of thegum tissue and/or the replacement tooth. Variable parameters for theconnectors include, but are not limited to, their height, theirdiameter, an interior socket diameter, etc. Alternatively, theconnector(s) can be custom-made.

Referring now to FIGS. 14a to 14c , there is shown an alternativeembodiment of a subperiosteal dental implant device 160, wherein thesubperiosteal dental implant device 160 is a partial subperiostealdental implant device 160. In the embodiment shown, two implant heads150 (or portions thereof) extend from the frame 162. Each one of theimplant heads 150 includes two components: a receiving portion 180 and ahead portion 182. In an embodiment, the receiving portion 180 isintegral with the frame 162 and is manufactured simultaneouslytherewith. In the embodiment shown, the receiving portion 180 has asubstantially circular cavity 184 defined therein. One skilled in theart will however understand that the shape of the cavity 184 can varyfrom the embodiment shown in FIG. 14a . The cavity 184 is shaped toreceive therein the head portion 182. The head portion 182 ismanufactured independently from the frame 162 and the receiving portions180 of the implant heads 150. The head portion 182 is engageable in thecavity 184 and securable to the receiving portion 180. In the embodimentshown, the head portion 182 is cemented to the receiving portion 180.Once again, one skilled in the art will understand that the shape of thehead portion 182 and/or the receiving portion 180 can however vary fromthe embodiment shown in FIGS. 14b and 14 c.

In the embodiment shown, the head portion 182 includes an internallythreaded socket 186 designed to receive either a connector 170 or areplacement tooth 152. In an alternative embodiment, where, for example,the head portion 182 is designed to connect with the replacement tooth152, the head portion 182 can also be free of internally threadedsocket.

In an alternative embodiment, the implant head 150 can be single piece,i.e. without engageable receiving portion 180 and head portion 182.Thus, the frame 162 can be manufactured as a single piece with theimplant head(s) 150 including a section corresponding to the headportion(s) 182.

Now referring to FIG. 15, there is shown an alternative embodiment of asubperiosteal dental implant device 260, wherein the subperiostealdental implant device 260 is a total subperiosteal dental implant device260 and wherein similar features are numbered using the same referencenumerals in the 200 series. As mentioned above, in opposition to apartial subperiosteal dental implant device 160 as shown in FIGS. 14aand 14c , a total subperiosteal dental implant device 260 is designed toextend over substantially the entire jaw bone of a patient and is usedin cases where a patient has no existing tooth.

In FIG. 15, the total subperiosteal dental implant device 260 includes 8single piece implant heads 250 extending from the frame 262, away fromthe jaw bone, when the frame 262 of the subperiosteal dental implantdevice 260 is superposed thereto. In FIG. 15, the implant heads 250 andare single-piece, i.e. they are not separated in head and receivingportions. It is appreciated that, in an alternative embodiment (notshown), head portions and the receiving portions can be provided as twodistinct components of the implant heads 250 engageable together.

In view of the above, it will be understood that the subperiostealdental implant device 160, 260 including one or more implant heads 150,250 can be used to perform any conventional dental restorationsincluding and without being limitative partial denture and full denture,which can include an overdenture, bridge, crown, and the like.

Now referring to FIGS. 16a and 16b , there is shown an alternativeembodiment of the dental implant system 166 including the subperiostealdental implant device 360, wherein similar features are numbered usingthe same reference numerals in the 300 series. In the embodiment shownin FIGS. 16a and 16b , the dental implant system 366 includes similarfeatures and components as the dental implant system 166 described abovein reference to FIG. 13 (without connectors 170), which do not need tobe repeated herein. The dental implant system 366 further includes apositioning jig 390 removably engageable with the subperiosteal dentalimplant device 360 and at least one existing tooth 342 of the patient.More particularly, the positioning jig 390 provides a connection betweenthe subperiosteal dental implant device 360 and at least one existingtooth 342 in order to help positioning the subperiosteal dental implantdevice 360 with respect to the jaw bone, before securing thesubperiosteal dental implant device 360 to the jaw bone 340 of thepatient. The positioning jig 390 is removed from the patient's mouthafter the subperiosteal dental implant device 360 being secured to thejaw bone.

More particularly, the positioning jig 390 has a jig body 391 with atooth engaging feature 392 engageable with the at least one existingtooth 342 of the patient. In an embodiment, the tooth engaging feature392 can be custom-made to match an external profile of the at least oneexisting tooth 342 of the patient and therefore allow the tooth engagingfeature 392 to be removably engageable to the at least one existingtooth 342 in a single position. More particularly, the tooth engagingfeature 392 has a tooth facing surface which substantially conforms toat least a portion of an external surface of the respective one of theexisting tooth 342 to which it is removably engageable. In anembodiment, the tooth engaging feature 392 of the positioning jig atleast partially surrounds its respective existing tooth when engagedtherewith.

The jig body 391 of the positioning jig 390 also has a frame engagingfeature 394 removably engageable with the subperiosteal dental implantdevice 360 in a single position. In the embodiment shown, the frameengaging feature 394 of the positioning jig 390 includes a treaded endsection 396 (e.g. a screw being part of the frame engaging feature 394)for engaging with the threaded socket 364 of a corresponding implanthead 350. One skilled in the art will however understand that, in analternative embodiment, the frame engaging feature 394 of thepositioning jig 390 can be removably engageable to the subperiostealdental implant device through other means or methods than the embodimentshown.

Thus, when the positioning jig 390 connects the subperiosteal dentalimplant device 360 and at least one existing tooth 342, the positioningjig 390 and the subperiosteal dental implant device 360 are positionedin a single position with respect to the jaw bone and the at least oneexisting tooth 342.

Even though, the embodiment of the positioning jig 390 includes only onetooth engaging feature 392 and only one frame engaging feature 394, itis appreciated that, in an alternative embodiment, the positioning jig390 can include more than one tooth engaging feature 392 and/or morethan one frame engaging feature 394.

As will be easily understood by one skilled in the art, for mounting thesubperiosteal dental implant device 360 onto an exposed jaw bone withthe dental implant system 366 including the positioning jig 390, theframe engaging feature 394 of the positioning jig 390 and thesubperiosteal dental implant device 360 are engaged together. Then, theassembly including the positioning jig 390 and the subperiosteal dentalimplant device is superposed to the jaw bone in a manner such that thesubperiosteal dental implant device 360 contacts the jaw bone 340 of thepatient, with the tooth engaging feature 392 of the positioning jig 390engaging the corresponding at least one existing tooth 342. As mentionedabove, in an embodiment, the bone-facing surface of the subperiostealdental implant device 360 substantially conforms to the external shapeof the jaw bone of the patient. Engagement between the assemblyincluding the positioning jig 390 and the subperiosteal dental implantdevice and the least one existing tooth 342 ensures that thesubperiosteal dental implant device 360 is positioned in thepredetermined single position. The subperiosteal dental implant device360 can subsequently be secured to the jaw bone 340 of the patient. Forinstance, the subperiosteal dental implant device 360 can be secured byinserting one or more mechanical fasteners, such as fixation screws,into the subperiosteal dental implant device and the jaw bone. Thepositioning jig 390 can subsequently be detached from the subperiostealdental implant device 360 and removed.

For example and without being limitative, in an embodiment where theframe engaging feature 394 of the positioning jig 390 includes a treadedend section 396 for engaging with the threaded socket 364 of acorresponding implant head 350, the positioning jig 390 can be engagedwith and detached from the subperiosteal dental implant device 360simply and respectively by threading and unthreading the treaded endsection 396 from the threaded socket 364 of a corresponding implant head350.

In the remaining of the description, for ease of description, referencenumber in the 100 series will only be used to refer to the components ofthe subperiosteal dental implant device 160 and dental implant system166. However, it is appreciated that the described features also appliesto the other embodiments of the subperiosteal dental implant device anddental implant system.

In view of the above, it will be understood that the implant head 150 towhich a respective one of the replacement tooth or teeth 152 is directlyor indirectly engaged can have a customized peripheral shape or canalways be substantially cylindrical. As will be described in moredetails below, in an embodiment where the implant head 150 has acustomized shape, the shape of the implant head 150 is determined basedon the shape of the replacement tooth 152 engaged therewith. In anembodiment where the implant head 150 has circular shape, the shape ofthe replacement tooth 152 is rather adjusted to the shape of the implanthead 150.

In an embodiment, the number of implant heads 150 can be inferior to thenumber of adjacent replacement teeth. For example and without beinglimitative, in an embodiment where a dental restoration includes threeadjacent replacement teeth, only two of the replacement teeth can beengaged to a respective implant head 150 with the third replacementtooth being secured to at least one of the other replacement teeth.

As mentioned above, the method 10, the system 100, and the dentalimplant system 166 can be used for different types of restorations, suchas maxillary and/or mandibular dental restorations.

Customized (or Patient-Specific) Implant Head

Now that embodiments of a subperiosteal dental implant device 160 andcorresponding dental implant system 166 have been described in detailsabove, an embodiment of a customized (patient-specific) implant head 150to support directly or indirectly one or more of the replacement toothand which can be used in a dental implant system 166 as described aboveor in different dental implant systems (not shown) or directly engagedwith the patient's jaw will now be described in more details below.

As mentioned above, the implant head 150 is a component, which can beprovided on a frame, such as and without being limitative the frame 162,to support directly or indirectly one or more of the replacement tooth152. Each implant head 150 is configured to extend through the gumtissue 144 of the patient. The implant head 150 is also sized and shapedto fit with the replacement tooth 152 to which it is engageable. Asmentioned above, the replacement tooth 152 can be selected form alibrary or catalog of tooth models.

With reference to FIGS. 17 and 19 (prior art), as mentioned above, it isknown to use standard implant heads H, which are circular in shape andwherein a peripheral shape of a base section of the replacement tooth Tmust be shaped to fit with the standard implant head H. Thus, the basesection of the replacement tooth typically have a circular shape,defined by the peripheral wall, in order to conform to the shape of thestandard implant heads H at the junction thereof.

In contrast, with reference to FIGS. 18 and 20, in an embodiment, thereis provided a customized (patient-specific) implant head 150 shaped andsized to fit with an irregular base section 154 of the replacement tooth152, defined by its peripheral wall 156. In an embodiment, the irregularbase section 154 of the replacement tooth 152 is non-circular andnon-ovoidal.

More particularly, the customized implant head 150 includes a body 151configured to at least partially extend through the gum tissue of thepatient when mounted to the patient's jaw. The body 151 of the implanthead 150 is engageable with the replacement tooth as it is known in theart. The body 151 has a peripheral wall 153 defining a peripheral shapeof the customized implant head 150. When the customized implant head 150and the replacement tooth 152 are engaged together, the peripheral wall153 has a peripheral shape substantially matching a peripheral shape ofthe irregular base section of the replacement tooth 152 at theirjunction. More particularly, in an embodiment, the peripheral wall 156defining the peripheral shape of the irregular base section 154 of thereplacement tooth 152 and the peripheral wall 153 of the body 151 of theimplant head 150 are in register at their junction

Thus, in such an embodiment, the implant head 150 is sized and shaped toconform to the shape of the irregular base section 154 of thereplacement tooth 152, rather than the replacement tooth T being shapedto fit with a standard implant head H (see FIGS. 17 and 19—prior art).In an embodiment, the customized implant head 150 extends between theframe of the subperiosteal implant 160 (or any other suitable implantbase) and the gum line of the patient (i.e. the upper surface of the gumtissue 144). In an embodiment, the customized implant head 150 isintegral with the dental implant device, such as the subperiostealdental implant device 160. Therefore, the implant head 150 has a heightwhich is adapted to the local thickness of the gum tissue 144 of thepatient. In an embodiment, the junction between the replacement tooth152 and the customized implant head 150 is in the vicinity of a gum lineof the gum tissue when the replacement tooth 152 and the customizedimplant head 150 are mounted to the jaw of the patient, either slightlybelow, slightly above or substantially leveled with the gum line of thegum tissue.

Thus, the body 151 of the customized implant head 150 is custom-shapedand is at least partially derived from the peripheral shape of theirregular base section 154 of the peripheral wall 156 of the replacementtooth 152.

With reference to the above described method for generating a model of asubperiosteal dental implant device, in an embodiment, the localthickness of the gum tissue 144 of the patient can be defined during thestep of superposing the 3D model 131 of the jaw(s) of the patientobtained from the medical imagery images, the 3D model 132 of the jaw ofthe patient obtained from the optical scan, and the 3D model 134 of thetooth models 122 of the diagnostic wax-up 118 models images (labelled asstep 5 b of the fifth step (step 5) of the general process withreference to FIGS. 1B, 2 and 12). In another embodiment, the thicknessof the gum tissue can be approximated. Moreover, the implant head 150 isshaped, positioned and angled in accordance with the location of thecorresponding replacement tooth 152 and the shape and configuration ofthe bone structure of the patient as can once again be defined in theabove described step of superposing the 3D models 131, 132, 134, inaccordance with an embodiment of the method for generating a model of asubperiosteal dental implant device.

In an embodiment, in order to conceive the customized implant head 150,a model of the replacement tooth 152 is selected in accordance with thebone structure, the already existing tooth/teeth (if any), the spaceavailable, and/or the gum tissue 144 of the patient. As mentioned above,in the base section, the peripheral shape of the replacement tooth istypically irregular. Thus, a tooth model of the replacement tooth 152can be obtained to design, at least partially, the shape of the implanthead 150 based on the shape of the replacement tooth. The tooth modelcan be a virtual tooth model. In an embodiment, the tooth model includesinformation about the peripheral shape of the peripheral wall of thereplacement tooth 152, in the irregular base section thereof.Subsequently, the customized implant head 150 is designed using thetooth model. In an embodiment, a junction line between the irregularbase section of the replacement tooth and the implant head, when engagedtogether, is determined. Determination of the junction line is performedusing the model of the replacement tooth. When the junction line isdetermined, the peripheral shape of the peripheral wall of thereplacement tooth at the junction line is determined using the toothmodel. Using the determined peripheral shape of the peripheral wall ofthe replacement tooth at the junction line, at least a portion of theimplant head is designed. More particularly, the peripheral wall of thebody is designed such that its peripheral shape substantially matchesthe determined peripheral shape of the peripheral wall of thereplacement tooth at the junction line. Thus, the peripheral shape ofthe implant head at the junction line with the replacement tooth is alsoirregular in shape.

In an embodiment where a virtual model of at least a section of the gumline of the gum tissue of the patient (the section being aligned withthe replacement tooth) is available, the method can further includepositioning the replacement tooth and the implant head with respect tothe gum line and substantially aligning the junction line between theirregular base section of the replacement tooth and the implant headwith the gum line. In an embodiment, the junction line is located eitherslightly below the gum line, substantially even with the gum line, orslightly above the gum line. In an embodiment, the position of thejunction line can be selected by the dentist in charge of theimplantation of the implant head(s) and the replacement tooth/teeth.

In an embodiment, the design of the implant head comprises extending theperipheral wall of the model of the replacement tooth 152, in theirregular base section, towards the section of the gum tissue 144 andthe jaw bone 140, i.e. in a direction of a root of an existing tooth.The design of the peripheral shape of the peripheral wall of the implanthead 150 can be based on the extension of the peripheral wall of themodel of the replacement tooth 152 towards the section of the gum tissue144 and the jaw bone 140. In other words, the peripheral shape of theimplant head 150 corresponds to the extension of the peripheral wall ofthe replacement tooth model 152 at the junction line, with theperipheral wall of the implant head 150 being aligned with a basesection of the peripheral wall of the replacement tooth model 152. In anembodiment, at the junction line, the peripheral wall of the implanthead 150 is in register with the peripheral wall of the replacementtooth model 152 when engaged together.

More particularly, a peripheral shape of the virtual extension of theperipheral wall of the tooth model at the junction line can bedetermined and the peripheral shape of the peripheral wall of the bodyof the implant head can be shaped to be in register with the virtualextension of the peripheral wall of the tooth model at the junctionline.

In an embodiment, the body of the implant head extending between a basesection thereof, which can correspond to the junction with the dentalimplant device, such as the subperiosteal dental implant device, and thejunction line with the replacement tooth can be substantially uniform inshape, i.e. the peripheral wall of the body can define a peripheralshape corresponding to the peripheral shape of the replacement tooth atthe junction line from its base to the junction line.

In an embodiment, the conception of a customized (i.e. tooth specific)implant head 150 can be carried out subsequently to the conception of abase (such as the above described subperiosteal dental implant device160).

For example and without being limitative, in an embodiment where thecombined 3D model 136 is obtained by the superposition of the 3D models131, 132, 134, with the subperiosteal dental implant device beingdesigned based on the combined 3D model 136, the combined 3D model 136can further be used for the conception of the customized implant head(s)150. In such an embodiment, the model of the subperiosteal dentalimplant device 160 can be superposed to the combined 3D model 136 andthe implant heads 150 associated to a respective one of the replacementteeth 152 can be designed by extending the base section of theperipheral walls of the replacement teeth 152 towards the model of thesubperiosteal dental implant device 160 on the combined 3D model 136.Therefore, a shape of the peripheral wall of each one of the customizedimplant heads 150 substantially corresponds to the shape of theextension of the peripheral wall of the replacement tooth at thejunction line. The peripheral walls of the customized implant heads 150protrude from an upper surface of the subperiosteal dental implantdevice 160, towards the gum line. As mentioned above, the height of eachone of the implant heads 150 can be selected based on the thickness ofthe gum tissue 144 at a position corresponding to the respective one ofthe implant heads 150.

In the above described embodiment, each one of the implant heads 150 isshaped to conform with the irregular peripheral shape of the replacementtooth 152, in the base section, to be mounted thereon (directly orindirectly through a connector 170) and, optionally, a relative positionof the tooth 152 with respect to adjacent teeth and to the underlyinggum tissue 144 and jaw bone 140.

One skilled in the art will easily understand that the above-describedcustomized dental implant heads 150 can be provided on any dentalimplant device, such as a subperiosteal dental implant device, anelongated dental implant or the like, as well as to receive any suitableimplant such as a replacement tooth, a dental implant bar, a dentalbridge, etc.

Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described andillustrated herein. The embodiments of the invention described above areintended to be exemplary only. A person skilled in the art wouldappreciate the features of the individual embodiments, and the possiblecombinations and variations of the components. A person skilled in theart would further appreciate that any of the embodiments could beprovided in any combination with the other embodiments disclosed herein.It is understood that the invention can be embodied in other specificforms without departing from the central characteristics thereof. Thepresent examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in allrespects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is notto be limited to the details given herein. Accordingly, while specificembodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modificationscome to mind without significantly departing from the scope of theinvention as defined in the appended claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A dental implant system comprising: asubperiosteal dental implant device comprising: a frame engageable to atleast a section of a jaw bone of a patient, the frame at least partiallyconforming to an external shape of the section of the jaw bone of thepatient; an implant head configured to receive a corresponding one of atleast one replacement tooth, the implant head extending from the frameand at least a portion of the implant head being integral with theframe; and a positioning jig removably connectable between thesubperiosteal dental implant device and at least one existing tooth ofthe patient, the positioning jig having a body with a tooth engagingfeature engageable with the at least one existing tooth of the patientand a frame engaging feature removably engageable to the implant head.2. The dental implant system of claim 1, wherein the at least onereplacement tooth comprises a plurality of adjacent teeth secured to oneanother.
 3. The dental implant system of claim 1, wherein the implanthead comprises a threaded socket engageable by a connector, theconnector comprising a threaded end for mating with the threaded socketof the implant head and a connecting head opposite the threaded end forconnecting with the corresponding one of at least one replacement tooth.4. The dental implant system of claim 1, wherein the frame has abone-facing surface which substantially conforms to a section of the jawbone of the patient to which the frame is superposed.
 5. The dentalimplant system of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a plurality ofinterconnected segments wherein at least some of the plurality ofinterconnected segments intersect with the implant head and the at leasta portion of the implant head is mounted to the segments intersectingtherewith.
 6. The dental implant system of claim 1, wherein thecorresponding one of at least one replacement tooth comprises aperipheral wall with an irregular base section and the implant headcomprises a body engageable with the corresponding one of at least onereplacement tooth, the body having a peripheral wall substantiallymatching a peripheral shape of the irregular base section of theperipheral wall of the corresponding one of at least one replacementtooth at a junction thereof.
 7. A dental implant system for mounting atleast one replacement tooth onto a jaw of a patient having at least oneexisting tooth, the dental implant system comprising: a subperiostealdental implant device having a frame superposable to a jaw bone of thejaw of the patient, the frame having a bone-facing surface at leastpartially conforming to an external shape of at least a section of thejaw bone of the patient; and a positioning jig having a jig body with atooth engaging feature engageable with at least one of the at least oneexisting tooth of the patient and a frame engaging feature removablyengageable with the frame of the subperiosteal dental implant device,wherein when the tooth engaging feature of the positioning jig isengaged with a respective one of the at least one existing tooth of thepatient, the frame engaging feature is engaged with the frame of thesubperiosteal dental implant device, and the bone-facing surface of theframe of the subperiosteal dental implant device is superposed to thejaw bone of the patient, the subperiosteal dental implant device ispositioned in a single predetermined position with respect to the jawbone of the patient.
 8. The dental implant system of claim 7, whereinthe at least one replacement tooth comprises a plurality of adjacentteeth secured to one another.
 9. The dental implant system of claim 7,wherein the subperiosteal dental implant device further comprises atleast a portion of an implant head configured to receive a correspondingone of the at least one replacement tooth, the at least a portion of theimplant head being mounted to and extending from the frame.
 10. Thedental implant system of claim 9, wherein the at least a portion of theimplant head is integral with the frame.
 11. The dental implant systemof claim 9, wherein the frame engaging feature is removably securable tothe at least a portion of the implant head.
 12. The dental implantsystem of claim 9, wherein the at least a portion of the implant head ofthe subperiosteal dental implant device comprises a threaded socket andthe frame engaging feature is removably engageable with the threadedsocket of the at least a portion of the implant head.
 13. The dentalimplant system of claim 9, wherein the at least a portion of the implanthead comprises a body engageable with the corresponding one of the atleast one replacement tooth and the corresponding one of the at leastone replacement tooth comprises a peripheral wall with an irregular basesection, the body of the at least a portion of the implant head having aperipheral wall substantially matching a peripheral shape of theirregular base section of the peripheral wall of the corresponding oneof the at least one replacement tooth at a junction thereof.
 14. Thedental implant system of claim 9, wherein the tooth engaging feature ofthe positioning jig at least partially surrounds the respective one ofthe at least one existing tooth of the patient when engaged therewith.15. The dental implant system of claim 9, wherein the tooth engagingfeature comprises a tooth facing surface, the tooth facing surfacesubstantially conforming to at least a portion of an external surface ofthe respective one of the at least one existing tooth of the patient.16. A method for mounting a subperiosteal dental implant device to a jawbone of a patient, the method comprising the steps of: providing thedental implant system of claim 9; engaging the frame engaging feature ofthe positioning jig with the frame of the subperiosteal dental implantdevice; superposing the bone-facing surface of the frame to the jaw boneof the patient with the bone-facing surface substantially conforming tothe jaw bone of the patient to which it is superposed; engaging thetooth engaging feature of the positioning jig with the respective one ofthe at least one existing tooth of the patient; securing thesubperiosteal dental implant device to the jaw bone of the patient; anddisengaging the tooth engaging feature of the positioning jig from therespective one of the at least one existing tooth of the patient and theframe engaging feature from the frame of the subperiosteal dentalimplant device and removing the positioning jig.
 17. A dental implantsystem comprising: a replacement tooth having an outwardly-facingperipheral wall with an irregular base section, the irregular basesection having a non-circular and non-ovoidal cross-section; and asubperiosteal dental implant device comprising: a frame engageable to atleast a section of a jaw bone of a patient, the frame at least partiallyconforming to an external shape of the section of the jaw bone of thepatient; and an implant head having a body extending from the frame withat least a portion of the implant head being integral with the frame,the implant head having a treaded socket extending therethrough from afree end thereof, the body being engageable with the replacement toothand having an outer peripheral wall, the body having a non-circular andnon-ovoidal cross-section substantially matching the non-circular andnon-ovoidal cross-section of the irregular base section of thereplacement tooth at a junction thereof.
 18. The dental implant systemof claim 17, wherein the non-circular and non-ovoidal cross-section ofthe body of the implant head is in register with the non-circular andnon-ovoidal cross-section of the irregular base section of thereplacement tooth at the junction thereof.